Rocklands Bouldering in the Cederberg Wilderness Area

The Cederberg is known for its harsh rocky outcrops and the Rocklands Climbing area is a tick-box for any active climber – rookie or veteran – looking to test his skills. Originally developed in 2005 by a team of Austrians, which included famous climber Klem Loskot, it offers a huge range and variety of bouldering including Girl on my Mind 6C, Minky 7B, Black Velvet 8A, Gliding Through The Waves Like Dophins 8A+, Ray of Light 8B and Witness the sickness 8A.

The climbing routes cater to all grades of climbers, both in terms of bouldering and sport climbing, meaning you can get stuck into the action whether you are starting out or a veteran climber. As most of the climbing routes are on land managed by Cape Nature, a day, or week, pass is needed (permits are not covered by the Wild Card).

For all the information you could possibly need on the area – from its history to detailed maps and GPS co-ordinates for each climbing area, you can purchase Scott Noy’s Rocklands Bouldering Guide here: https://www.climbing.co.za/shop/product/rocklands-guidebook-2nd-edition/

From Cape Town, it is about a three-hour drive. Take the N1 from Cape Town, heading towards Paarl, take the N7 turnoff towards Malmesbury. Follow the N7 north for roughly 200km, eventually you come across a large dam after which you take the R364 turnoff towards Clanwilliam. Turn right at the T-junction and continue straight passed the town and up a small pass reaching a dirt road which is followed for about 16km until you hit another tar road. This is followed to the top off the pass where you'll spot a dirt road on the right. Park here and walk...

A car allows one to access the full range of areas in Rocklands. The bouldering is spread out along around 20 km of road. After parking there are generally with a number of clustered different sectors within walking distance of each other. Assuming one could get to the DePakhuys campsite, it would be possible to climb there without a car (300 or so problems within walking distance of the campground), though getting to town for supplies (26km) could be difficult unless other climbers provide transportation.